What Are the Causes of Rolandic Seizures?

Rolandic seizures, a form of epileptic seizure, typically affect children. During these seizures, which typically last about two minutes, the child remains fully conscious. Scientists have recently discovered a genetic marker they believe to be a probable cause for rolandic seizures.

Rolandic Seizures

• A person having a rolandic seizure often experiences tingling on one side of the face along with facial contortion and drooling. This may also be accompanied by loss of muscle control and numbness.

Who Is Affected?

• According to the Epilepsy Therapy Project's information site, approximately 15 percent of all epileptic seizures in children are rolandic seizures. The seizures begin at around age 3 to 6 and often recur until the start of puberty.

The Rolandic Region

• Rolandic seizures are caused by a disruption in the rolandic area of the brain. The rolandic area (located in the temporal lobe) controls facial expression, tongue movements and facial sensations.

Gene Marker

• Medical researchers have recently identified a mutation of the elongator protein complex 4 (ELP4) gene as a possible cause for rolandic seizures. The results of this research were made public in the February 2009 edition of Neurology Today.

ELP4 and Brain Function

• According to the researchers, the mutated ELP4 gene may affect the way neurons link in the rolandic area of the brain. This causes the signals transmitted through these neurons to become jumbled, resulting in the seizures.

Current Treatments

• Rolandic seizures are generally not treated with medication because the seizures typically occur at night. However, children effected by daytime seizures may be placed on anti-seizure medications such as Neurontin or Trileptal.